A perfect wall-mounted sculpture for any animal lover, this French medallion depicts a St. Hubert hound. Presented in bronze, the bust is a realistic representation of the now-extinct bloodhound, which once were kept at the abbey of Saint-Hubert, Belgium, where they used their exceptional sense of smell to hunt game and track people. The dog wears a strapped collar, which has been textured to give the semblance of leather. A pentagonal tag hangs from the collar, which is signed by the sculptor and the foundry who crafted the piece. The high-relief bust is given additional depth by the wooden oval backing, which alternates between a high-sheen brown finish and raised, ebonized rings. It is possible that this decorative element would have been commissioned to depict a favored hound at an upscale hunting lodge. The bust would have been held in high regard and paired with other collectible art in a library, salon, or trophy room.

Sculptor: Prosper Lecourtier (1851-1925), an elite French sculptor from Grémilly. Trained by Emmanuel Frémiet, considered a master-level animalier. Most of Lecourtier’s works depict hunting dogs and hounds, and his sense of realism allowed him to exhibit at the Paris Salon for 50 years, where he won several high-level medals, including bronze at the 1900 World’s Fair.

Foundry: Serieys and Carlier was an art foundry located in Paris during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They frequently collaborated with Lecourtier, as French sculptors rarely cast the metal themselves. Pieces with foundry stamps have an extra layer of authentication, placing the creation of our St Hubert hound in the late 1800s or early 1900s.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition. Fleabites to the wood, with very light nicks and rubs on both wood and bronze. Rigged for hanging.